Episode Summary:
Overview of Episode 84
In this episode of Real Investor Radio, Jack BeVier and Craig Fuhr sit down with Dominion’s Dustin Wells to unpack Dominion’s foray into non-QM lending, from building the tech stack to winning broker trust.
No sooner had Dustin left his last role than Jack found him at a Fort Lauderdale cocktail party. By all means, it was kismet. Dominion needed a non-QM leader. Dustin was ready to build from scratch.
Why Non-QM, and Why Now?
Non-QM lending fills the gaps that conventional mortgages can’t.
Gig workers, 1099 earners, and entrepreneurs often fall outside the box, and inside non-QM eligibility. Consequently, Dominion saw opportunity where others saw risk. After all, one in three borrowers now goes through a broker. If you’re not in wholesale, then you’re missing the market.
Rebuilding from Zero: Tech, Team, and Trust
At first, Dominion had no non-QM tech rails, just vision. Dustin built the entire infrastructure in under six months. Not only did he bring in trusted ops veterans, but he also customized the system for both business-purpose and consumer lending. This wasn’t about plugging into Salesforce.
Instead, they engineered a bifurcated platform built specifically for non-QM speed, accuracy, and compliance.
Enter Donna: AI That Doesn’t Sleep
Donna, Dominion’s AI chatbot, now handles broker FAQs around the clock. She’s fast, factual, and fully embedded in the wholesale site. Whether it’s a guideline on DSCR or a scenario for cross-collateral loans, Donna delivers.
Eventually, brokers won’t wait for answers, they’ll just ask Donna.
Brokers Want Certainty. Dominion Delivers It.
At the core of the non-QM broker experience is one thing: certainty. Dominion’s team isn’t chasing loan volume, they’re solving for execution. Their underwriters handle fewer files with deeper insight. Furthermore, they offer full backend support, even for small shops.
Price Beat Guarantee: Not Just Talk
Dominion doesn’t flirt with the best price—they guarantee it. Bring a competing DSCR quote, and they’ll beat it. In fact, Jack’s never said no to a price match. Consequently, brokers not only close faster, but also close cheaper.
Built for Brokers, Ready for Scale
Another key point: brokers can submit a short-form app, no MISMO, no friction. Dominion takes it from there. Meanwhile, brokers get real-time updates, dedicated account managers, and a true partner in non-QM.
Looking Ahead: AI, Voice, and the Broker Boom
Accordingly, Jack sees AI as core infrastructure, not a bolt-on.
Dominion’s already building voice capabilities and internal assistants like Harvey.
The goal? Compress decision cycles and scale personalized non-QM experiences. In the long run, those who master data and workflow integration will lead the next wave of mortgage tech.
